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fly in the ointment
01
a person or thing that ruins an otherwise positive or enjoyable situation
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "a fly in the ointment" and when to use it?
The idiom "a fly in the ointment" comes from the biblical book of Ecclesiastes and refers to a small, annoying issue or problem that spoils or taints an otherwise favorable or pleasant situation. The phrase is used to highlight how even a minor flaw or inconvenience can detract from the overall quality or enjoyment of something.
Example
Despite the successful product launch, there was a fly in the ointment when the pricing caused customer complaints.
The only fly in the ointment during the vacation was the rainy weather.
I'm looking forward to Sunday, the only fly in the ointment being the fact that I'll have to sit next to my mother-in-law.
Tony's poor English was a fly in the ointment when he applied for the job.
The party was going smoothly until a disagreement among guests became the fly in the ointment.
